Announcements, information and updates from the AG Alliance Members and Associates
April 3, 2020
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SPECIAL BULLETIN:
AG COMMUNITY IMPACTED BY COVID-19
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Message of Congratulations, Appreciation and Unwavering Support for Natalie Ludaway
Two weeks ago, Natalie O. Ludaway, former Chief Deputy Attorney General (2015 - 2020) for D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine, and a cherished member of the Attorney General community, excitedly shared the announcement of her re-entry to private sector law, as the newest member of the State Attorneys General Practice at Crowell & Moring, LLP.
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Last week, Natalie’s much beloved partner and husband, Duane R. Albury, passed away suddenly with complications likely related to the coronavirus. Natalie and their daughter, Olivia, (15) are devastated and aching and seek the prayers and support of those who share in this tight knit community. Duane was a full partner in all meanings of the word. When Natalie had spoken about Duane throughout the years, their partnership and support of each other was evident in every conversation. Their loving and bright daughter, Olivia, is a delightful combination of the intelligence, faith, love and joy between her parents and in their home. The devastation of this pandemic and their personal loss cannot be overstated.
As we seek to celebrate Natalie’s new adventure with Crowell, we also honor the memory of her husband, Duane, and his unwavering support for his family.
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CONTACT:
Natalie O. Ludaway
Direct: 1.202.624.2613
Mobile: 1.202.841.3111
Crowell & Moring LLP
1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
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COVID-19 ROUNDUP
STATE COURTS
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Editor's Note to Our Members:
This week's special edition news roundup is dedicated to providing a high level summary of COVID-19 AG actions with a particular focus on state courts.
The AG Alliance extends a special thank you to our valued partners at the
Council on State Governments
for connecting us with the
National Center for State Courts Data Visualizations page on COVID-19 state court responses and actions.
We hope you find the below information and re
sources useful in guiding your AGOs on best practices for coronavirus and its impact on AGOs and the courts.
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AG Resources: Coronavirus and the Court
National Center for State Courts Data Visualizations
Please visit the National Center for State Courts Data Visualizations webpage for an in depth look at state courts actions in response to COVID-19. This graphic outlines the top five methods courts are using to combat the spread of coronavirus
Their resource center also provides more information on:
End of Jury Trial Restrictions
Courts Restricting
Entrance
In-Person Proceedings Generally Suspended
Virtual hearings
Statewide Prisoner/Defendant Release
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State Court Closures in Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
Ballotpedia
Ballotpedia is providing comprehensive coverage on how the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting America's political and civic life. Coverage includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and the effects those responses are having on campaigns and elections.
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CALIFORNIA
How COVID-19 Is Impacting California Courts: Roundup of Services
Law.com
March 31, 2020
State courts across California are implementing a variety of measures to curtail public activity in many instances, and in others to shut down completely. The California Supreme Court suspended in-person oral arguments until "deemed prudent to resume normal measures." Here's a look at how courts across the state are grappling with the threat of the novel coronavirus as of Monday afternoon.
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FLORIDA
Update on Florida Court Rule Changes in Response to COVID-19
Law.com
The Florida Supreme Court eased more justice system regulations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, sliding requirements for traffic ticket trials, judicial education and interpreter services.
Speedy trial requirements were lifted in traffic infraction cases for March 13 to April 20 and possibly longer.
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NEW YORK
COVID-19 Effects on NY Court Closures, Filings, and Statutes of Limitations
JD Supra
March 25, 2020
In response to the continuing outbreak of COVID-19 in New York and across the nation, access to courthouses and courts’ availability to accept filings have been limited. This alert summarizes the impact of COVID-19-related measures on court accessibility, filings, and statutes of limitations according to recent guidance issued by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, federal courts sitting in New York, including the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, and New York state courts, including the Commercial Division, New York County.
Governor Cuomo issued an
Executive Orde
r on March 20, 2020 that suspends all statutes of limitation and filing deadlines until April 19, 2020,
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LOUISIANA
Court Closures
Ballotpedia
On
March 24, The
Louisiana State Supreme Court
instructed all courts to limit access to courtrooms and other spaces to the maximum number of people allowed per guidelines set by the CDC, President
Donald Trump
, and Gov.
John Bel Edwards
. They further ordered that all essential court functions be conducted through video or telephone whenever possible.
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WASHINGTON STATE
State Supreme Court Pauses Almost All Cases in Washington
HeraldNet
March 20, 2020
Jury trials and almost all in-person court hearings in Washington have been suspended in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, by order of the state Supreme Court.
Under the emergency rules, civil and criminal hearings are delayed until April 24, with exceptions for emergencies and hearings that could lead to a defendant’s early release.
Bail hearings must be scheduled within five days if a defendant is within an at-risk group — such as senior citizens, or those with an underlying medical condition where COVID-19 could easily prove fatal — as long as victims are allowed to participate in the hearing.
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GEORGIA
Courthouses Across Georgia Limit Services Responding to COVID-19
WSBTV ATL
March 23, 2020
On
March 14,
Georgia Supreme Court
Chief Justice
Harold Melton
ordered all courts in the state to suspend non-essential court functions for at least 30 days.
What specific services are interrupted vary county to county. The supreme court says essential functions to protect health, safety and liberty-- like arrest warrants and first appearances-- will continue. You will need to call ahead to see if your courthouse is offering services like marriage license or weapons permits.
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CANNABIS LAW & POLICY VIRTUAL SUMMIT
Tuesday, April 21
11:30am – 4pm (ET)
The legalization of adult-use and medical cannabis affects millions of Americans. Attorneys General are uniquely poised to lead here. The AG Alliance Cannabis Project is hosting a Cannabis Law & Policy Virtual Summit to educate the national Attorney General community on key issues within the cannabis, hemp, and CBD marketplace and to facilitate dialogue among diverse stakeholders.
CONTACT FOR MORE DETAILS:
Austin Bernstein, Cannabis Project Dir.
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AG Alliance Announces
Cannabis Litigation Blog
Stay Updated on Cannabis Litigation!
This Week's Story:
Big Sky Scientific -
Hemp Seizure Case in Idaho
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Quicken Loans Thanks State AGs for Leadership During Coronavirus Pandemic
Quicken Loans
April 2, 2020
At Quicken Loans our first priority is the health and safety of our team members, clients, and communities we serve. While taking proactive measures to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus is everyone’s goal, we understand that this causes an economic disruption that may result in some of our clients having temporary financial difficulties.
Quicken Loans appreciates your leadership during this health crisis. As you continue the battle on the public health front, we are also bracing for an economic challenge not seen since the Great Depression. Now is the time for all institutions, public and private, to do our part in staving off overwhelming financial harm barreling towards your citizens.
We appreciate your leadership in caring for Americans. Quicken Loans continues to closely monitor the spread and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and we remain proactive in informing, educating, and guiding our clients, team members, partners, and regulators.
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Connecticut Attorney General Tong
Florida Attorney General Moody
Michigan Attorney General Nessel
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Arizona Attorney General Brnovich
New York Attorney General James
California Attorney General Becerra
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RESOURCES FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE VICTIMS
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New York Attorney General James
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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:
PRIVATE SECTOR ACTIONS
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Uber to Offer 10 Million Free Rides, Deliveries to Health Care Workers, Seniors During COVID-19 Pandemic
USA Today
March 31, 2020
Uber says it will offer 10 million free rides and deliveries to health care workers, seniors and people in need as the coronavirus pandemic spreads Uber encouraged more cities, hospitals and other services to reach out for help with rides or food deliveries.
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2020 State and Local Government Responses to COVID-19
Stateside's comprehensive State and Local Government Responses to COVID-19 Report includes State Legislation and Executive Orders related to paid leave proposals, mandated business closures, appropriations for state responses to the outbreak and Executive actions such as the creation of task forces and declarations of emergency. Selected agency, regulatory and rulemaking actions are also being included as they are announced or emerge. We are also identifying those legislatures that are suspending activities as a result of this crisis.
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NRG Energy, Inc. Pledges $2 Million to COVID-19 Relief Efforts
NRG Energy, Inc
April 2, 2020
As the battle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic continues, NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG) announces broad efforts to aid those on the front lines of the pandemic response and provide relief to people adversely impacted.
NRG commits to donate $2 million in charitable contributions including cash and urgently needed safety equipment supporting first responders, as well as funds that aid local communities and teachers. The company is also allocating additional funding to the NRG Employee Relief Fund, which has been used in the past to assist employees adversely impacted by natural disasters and other extraordinary events.
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Comcast COVID-19 Network Update
Comcast
We have developed a
network performance website
and the below visual factsheet to share more information on what we are doing to help keep everyone connected, and provide an overview of our network performance during COVID-19.
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CNBC
April 1, 2020
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts announced he has set aside $500 million for employees whose jobs have been affected by coronavirus impacts.
Comcast
has seen internet usage surge during coronavirus quarantines but has also had to shut down theme parks and delay advertising revenue from the postponement of the 2020 Olympics. Roberts and other senior leaders have pledged 100% of their annual salaries to COVID-19 charities.
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News from PHH Mortgage on Coronavirus Disease
PHH Mortgage
March 27, 2020
PHH Mortgage and its employees want you to know that we are here for you in the event it is not possible to make the monthly mortgage payment due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Depending on the status of the account, the following benefits may be available for customers that have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19:
- Payment forbearance with repayment options
- Suppressing negative credit reporting
- Waiving late fees
- Postponing the foreclosure sales process
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Centene to Expand Access, Reduce Cost of Care for Most Vulnerable Populations Affected By COVID-19
Centene Corporation
April 1, 2020
Centene announced a series of additional measures to support the most vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on actions already taken in partnership with the White House Coronavirus Task Force, the Company announced it will cover the cost of COVID-19-related treatments for Medicare, Medicaid and Marketplace members. In order to expedite care and eliminate the administrative burden to providers, the Company is also eliminating the need for providers to collect co-pays and removing authorization requirements for COVID-19 related treatment.
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American Gaming Association (AGA) and Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) Initiatives to Combat Unregulated Gaming During COVID-19
AGA & AGEM
March, 2020
The American Gaming Association (AGA) is tirelessly working on efforts related to the
COVID-19 response
while also remaining committed to keeping you informed on all of our priority issues. The AGA-AGEM campaign
announced last month
is focused on providing state and local policymakers, law enforcement, and regulatory agencies with new resources and tools, such as our
fact sheet
, to stop the propagation of unregulated gaming machines.
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Lowe’s Temporarily Increases Hourly Wages and Implements New Safety Efforts in Response to COVID-19
Lowe's
April 2, 2020
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. announces additional actions being made across all U.S. stores to further protect and provide for both our associates and customers during this unprecedented time. Our announcement includes a temporary $2 an hour wage increase for all full-time, part-time and seasonal hourly associates for the hours they work at Lowe’s stores, contact centers and supply chain facilities in the U.S. and Canada for the month of April.
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Thomson Reuters Coronavirus Resource Center
Thomson Reuters
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread globally, our main objectives now are to support you and your businesses, and to navigate this complicated and ever-changing environment together with you. Rely on these free resources, created by our legal and tax experts, to assist you as you prepare and respond to issues.
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Supporting Small Businesses – Intuit QuickBooks Joins GoFundMe as Co-founder of the Small Business Relief Initiative for COVID-19 Support
Intuit
March 24, 2020
GoFundMe, the world’s largest social fundraising platform, and Intuit QuickBooks, the world’s largest small business network, co-founded an initiative to help small businesses raise money to overcome the challenges caused by COVID-19. The Small Business Relief Initiative is designed to get money in the hands of small businesses struggling to pay employees and business expenses due to COVID-19.
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CWAG Executive Committee
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Hector Balderas -
Mark Brnovich
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- Wayne Stenehjem -
Phil Weiser
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AG Alliance Co-Chairs
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Lawrence Wasden - Sean Reyes - Karl Racine
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